Silicone vs. Saline Implants

A Crucial Choice

There are many important variables to consider when planning a breast augmentation procedure, including silicone versus salinebreast implants. Dr. Stephen Greenberg’s practice offers both types, because saline and silicone have mutually exclusive advantages that make one or the other more suitable for specific goals and preferences. The fundamental difference between these two types of breast implants is that saline implants contain a sterile solution of water and salt, while silicone implants contain a more dense silicone gel. After extensive testing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that both saline and silicone implants are safe for use. Dr. Greenberg is an expert cosmetic surgeon who will take careful note as you describe the enhancement you wish to achieve, and then recommend the implants that will produce the bust line you desire. If you would like to learn more about the differences between saline and silicone breast implants, contact our practice today.

Texture

When it comes to achieving a natural look and feel, many women prefer silicone breast implants. Silicone gel is very similar in feel to natural breast tissue. The silicone gel maintains substantial outward pressure on the implant, helping it to retain a robust, natural shape. Saline, on the other hand, tends to reveal some rippling as it succumbs to the pressure of surrounding natural breast tissue. This principle makes silicone the implant of choice for women who are very thin, are undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, or have chosen to have their implant placed above the pectoral muscle. On the other hand, women who choose to place the implant below the pectoral muscle, or who have ample existing breast tissue, may be able to achieve satisfying results with saline implants.

Placement

Saline implants are filled after they are placed, while silicone implants are completely filled before surgery. Therefore, silicone implants require a larger incision than saline implants. In both cases, incisions are strategically placed so that any resulting scars will be well concealed and eventually become hardly noticeable.

Detecting Ruptures

Neither silicone nor saline implants are intended to last a lifetime. The longer a woman has implants, the more likely she will eventually need to undergo surgery to replace them. In the event of a rupture, the contents of a saline implant are absorbed safely into the body, and the rupture will be almost immediately apparent. If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel quickly escapes the implant, but stays within the pocket of tissue holding the implant in place. As such, it may go undetected until your next visit to your physician. The FDA recommends undergoing an MRI screening three years after breast augmentation surgery, and every two years after that.

Choosing the Right Implant

The choice to undergo breast augmentation surgery is a very personal one that can boost a woman’s self-esteem, broaden her clothing options, and help her to feel attractive and confident. Dr. Greenberg prides himself on helping women achieve the very best breast augmentation results possible, and will take time to help you decide whether silicone or saline implants are the right option for you. Contact our practices serving Manhattan, Woodbury, Long island, The Hamptons, and Boca Raton, FL to learn more.

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